The Keys to Discipline

For almost a decade, I lived in a town of less than 10,000 people.  At first, I was a little leary of living in a small town, but as the years passed by, I grew to love it and the people that lived there.  When we moved to that town, our only son was a year old.  By the time our first born went to kindergarten we had another son who was about three.  As they were growing up, my workout routine had been to go to the gym in the morning while my husband was getting ready for work.  But now, with carpool to school, I knew this time would no longer be feasible.  
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I came up with a plan.  I would get up at 5:15 am and go for a run.  The only problem with this plan was that I did not want to go alone.  I thought and thought.  I prayed and asked God to give me a partner.  After asking several friends, I finally found someone, who I barely knew, that had the same schedule.  We agreed to meet every morning Monday through Friday at 5:15 am at our local high school to get a run in each day.  We did this rain or snow, sunshine or clouds…we ran.  You know why?  She knew that I was waiting on her and I knew that she was depending on me.  


Accountability at it’s finest, right?  That accountability, over the course of about seven years, led us to run 5 half marathons, countless 5Ks, and a 15Ks…and it gave me one of the greatest friends I have ever had.  It all started with two people depending on each other…holding each other accountable.  


Accountability really is the key to discipline.  Want more accountability in your life?  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

First: Give the goal that you are trying to achieve to God.  Honestly ask Him if this is something you should pursue. I love the verse in Psalms 90:17 that says,
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands. (NAS)
God confirming the work of our hands really is the first step.  Is this something worthwhile?  Is this something that is pleasing to Him?  Are your motives pure?  Ask these important questions. 


Second:  Look for someone who is wanting to accomplish the same/similar goal.  Pray about it.  God will put someone in your path.  

Third:  Hold them accountable.  Hold up your end of the deal.  Ask hard questions.  Be honest when you are asked hard questions.  Just do it. 

Accountability doesn’t have to take place just while you are together.  Start a FB group.  Start a text string.  Meet for coffee.  Start an email string.  Just whatever works for you.  Whatever you decide begin the process today.  Your future self will thank you!  And who knows, you might just meet a running partner that turns out to be one of the best friends you’ve ever had. 

About Jennifer

Jennifer and her family live in the South. She and her husband, Fred, have three boys ages 13, 10, and 7, and one unruly dog named Dash. Chaos2Peace is a blog designed to bring peace in the midst chaos by providing organizational tips, menu planning, simple recipes, and a whole lot of laughter. Join us on the blog today as we do life together, one step at a time.

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